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No. 57,946. r I Patented Sept. 11, 1866..

z j vepziarv UNITED STATES PATENT OFFIo.

HORACE D. MEAD, OF WAYNE, NET/V YORK.

IMPROVEMENT IN FARM-GATES Specification forming part of Letters Patent No. 57,946, dated September 11, 1866.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, HORACE D. MEAD, of,

ing a farm-gate that can be easily made and easily opened and closed, with no difiicultyin keeping it opened or shut; for when it is properly balanced by the weight the weightwill hold it open, because the supports of the gate are so nearly vertical that the weight will hold it open, and when the gates are closed the supports are so much inclined that the gravity of the gate so much overcomes the weightthat the gate is sure to close and remain closed, and animals cannot open it. One part may be used only, as when a person or single animal is to pass through; and it but a small gate is required, one half may be used only.

A is the sill. It may be made any con venient size. The length must be a little more than twice the space the gate is to be opened. It is laid upon two cross-sills. It has a post at each end, also posts D and D, and to it the supports F are pivoted, as shown in the figure.

B and B are cross-sills, of any required size or length. They may have holes through them for stakes, if required.

0 and U are posts at the ends of the sills. Their use is to receive a pulley at the top for a rope or chain to pass over to support the weight. D and D are also posts fastened into the sill. They are four in number, and placed one at each side of the gate. Their use is to keep the gate in proper position. All the posts may be set into the ground,.or into stone, in which case the supports may be pivoted tothem without changing the nature of my invention.

E and Euare the gates. They are made as shown in the figure, or may be made in any other manner. They may be made slatted, picketed, or in any ornamental manner. As they are supported, they will not require much strength to make them durable.

F F F and F are supports for the gates. They are placed two at each side of a gate, and are placed on opposite sides. There are four notshown in the figure; but they are precisely like those represented. Their use is to support and hold it in position while the gate is being used. WVhen the gate is opened they will cause it to move in the segment of a cir ole whose radius is the length of the supports between the pivots, thus raising the gate out of the snow or mud. They are pivoted to the sill and to the ends of the gates, as shown in the figure.

G and G are weights, suspended by a rope or chain that passes over the pulley in the top of the posts 0 and is fastened to the gate, as shown in the figure. These weights assist in opening the gate, and when it is partly opened they will complete the opening, and hold the gate open; and when the gateis nearly closed it overcomes the weight and closes itself, so that by making the weight correspond with the gravity of the gate it may be easily opened and closed.

H and H are ropes or chains that connect the weights to the gates.

I represents boards or slats that are securely fastened to the posts 0 and D. They constitute a portion of fence and protection for the gate.

Having thus fully described my invention, what I claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is

l. The weigh ts Grand G, when applied as and for the purpose specified.

2. The arrangement of the supports F, when made and applied substantially as set forth. HORACE D. MEAD. Witnesses:

JOHN L. LEWIS, H. T. MITGHELL. 

